Shoe structure



Jan. 16, 1945. H. MARX SHOE STRUCTURE Filed May 29, '1945 wif IN VEN TOR.

52 57 HERMAN /wx BY h M II

Patented Jan. 16, 1945 SHOE STRUCTURE Her'mamiviarx, New York, N. Y.

ApplicationgMay. 29, 1943, Serial No. 488,977

e 'olainm. (c1. 36-11(5) This invention relates to shoe structures, and more particularly to fastening means and method to attach the upper to the outsole of :a shoe.

It is one of the main objects of this inventionto provide fastening means for. connecting upper andoutsole of the shoe togetherswith'out resorting to any. metallic fastening means,-such as tacks, nails or the like, or to adhesive binders, stitching or similar fixing methods.

Another objector the .present'ir'ivention is to I provide complementary fastening means positioned respectively at the upper and at the outsole of the shoe; said mea'nsforming intergal parts of the upper and the outsole, respectively,

and being very. practical and highly efiicient for the purpose intended.

, A further object of this invention is to provide retaining or attaching means for firmly and rigidly connecting the upper to the outsole and to dispose said attachingmeans so as to conceal the same at their location of fixation.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide means which do not require any machine;

operations or any skilled labor-forc'onnecting together the. upper to. the outsole,- said, means rendering the invention very practical from a, manufacturing standpoint. I 7 It is still another object of thepresent inven= tion to provide means forreleasably attaching up; perand outsoleof a shoewith oneanother, said means extending. and being, disposed with respect to the outso-le so as to permit deviation of stresses, pulling and other forces exerted by the upper on the outsole.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anchor means in the outsole and substantially below the insoleof a shoe and to provide further means complementary to said anchor means and disposed ator-along the extremity of the upper for releasably and-lockingly-engaging said anchor means.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide attachingmeans integrally united with the upper of a shoe and which are so shaped as to allow air circulation through the shoe.

Yet, another object of the inventionis. to provide retaining means for thesupper of the shoe.

said means of said upper being brought into engagement with the outsole by introducing said upper retaining means either from above or horizontally through an open outer end of a'chan-nel provided in the outsole.

A still'further object of the present invention;

is to provide means at theinnerlface of theoutsole. for cooperation -with meansprovided at the= ing. which illustrates certainrorms of embodi ments thereof. These forms are shown for the purpose of illustrating theinvention since the same has been found in practice togive satisfactory andreliableresults, althoughit is to beunderstood-l that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to-the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentali-ties as herein shown and described. In the drawing:

. Fig. -1- isa topplan view of an embodimentof this invention, showing-,outsole and upper (indicated in dot'and dash-lines) in assembled condition. 1

Fig. 2 is a plan view ofa part of an upper on an enlarged scale and provided with means for at taching the same to an outsoles I Fig. 3 isa plan and fragmentary view; partly in-section, of anupper in looking. engagement within the outsole. I h v V V l Fig, 4 is a v'erticalsectional view of apart of an outsole at the location ofitslocking engagement with the upper. V

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line li 5 Of Fig. 3. I

an embodiment of the invention in modified i um illustrating in their locking position outsole and upper partly insection.

Figs. 8' to 10 show exploded views of the fastening means at upper and outsole and'demonstrate steps of; the method for fastening the upper to the inside of the outsole of a shoe.

. Figs, 11 and 12' illustrate. respectivel fragmentary horizontal and vertical sectional views of a further embodiment-of the. invention with the upper hooked over at the inner'face of the outsole.

Referring-new in greater detains Figs} 1 to 5, inclusive, there is indicated by numeral Illa part of a sho including outsole and upperembodying one ot many possible forms-of this invention. Shoe I0 isprovided with outsole H and upper i2. Outsole I I may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber, rubber composition, synthetic rubber masses, plastic-pr resinous material (Vinylite, Lucite and the like), leather, composite leather, wood, etc. Outso-le II is provided with a projection or ledge I3 integrally united therewith and extending along and at a distance from the outer boundary I4 of outsole II, thus providing a rim Ila, which may be grooved or shaped in any other way, as clearly seen in Figs. 3 and 5.

The outer or lower surface I5 of outsole I I may be grooved or profiled in any suitable manner, whereas the upper surface I6 is provided with a plurality of channels for a purpose hereinafter described. Insole I1 (indicated in dot and dash lines) is adapted to cover said channels recessed in said outsole II, said insole being substantially fiush at its upper surface I1a with upper edge of ledge I3, as indicated in Fig. 5.

In outsole II, there are provided a plurality or pairs of spaced channels, I8, I8a; I81), I80; IBd, I'Se'; I8), I89, each channel consists of a substantially horizontal portion I9, open and accessible at the upper surface I6 015 outsole II and of a portion over which passes ledge or bridge means I3. The aforesaid channels have inner ends and open outer ends, said bridge means I3 extending adjacent the outer ends of said channels in crosswise direction thereto and terminating at a predetermined distance from said inner ends of said channels. The bridge means I3 have inner and outer ends or edges I3a, I31) and the distancetherebetween is shorter than the distance between the outer and inner ends I9a, Iilb of said channels, as clearly illustrated in the drawing (Figs. 5 and 6).

As exemplified by Figs. 3 and 4, in channels or recesses I8, I8a are provided upwardly projecting means, such as buttons or stems 2I, 22, which terminate into heads 2 I a, 22a, respectively. These buttons are integrally united with the material of the outsole II, their length not extending beyond the upper surface I6 of outsole I I, as canbe seen in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

Upper or foot retaining means I2, in this instance, consists of crossed strap means, as used for sandals or the like, each strap end or extremity being provided with a substantially U-shaped cut-out 23, thus forming lugs 24, at each outer extremity of said strap means I2. Lugs 24, 25 are provided with circular apertures or openings 26 and 21, respectively, communicating with elongated slots 26a; 21a, both slots being narrower in width than the diameter of circular openings 26 and 21.

In order to fasten each strap end of upper I2 to the outsole I I, all that is required is the introduction of the lugs 24, 25 underneath bridging means I3 through channel portions 20 to extend into horizontal portions I9 of open channel portions of channels I8 and I8a for engagement of openings 2B, 21 with projecting means 2I, 22, respectively. By outwardly pulling strap I2, projecting means H and 22 will engage with the slots 26a, 21a, so that the end walls of said slots abut against said studs or projecting means 2I, 22, whereby the extremities of said strap means are locked in position and are prevented from being disengaged from stems 2|, 22 since the diameter of heads 2Ia, 22a is larger than the width of elongated slots 26a, 21a. It is to be noted that the upper, which may be of any styleor shape, does not require any last in order to bring about engagement and fixation ofthe connecting means 24, 2522, 2I (Fig. 4) provided at the upper and at outsole II, respectively.

Since the ends of the upper ubstantially fill out the spaces of the recesses or channels I8, I8a and the insole I1 when applied to the upper surface of outsole II covers and conceals the locations of fixation within the body of outsole I I, the

foot of the wearer will not be in any way afiected by the connecting means hereinabove set forth.

Fig. 7 shows the connection of a part of upper 30 with an outsole 3| in modified form. Upper 33 is provided with lugs 30a, 301) having openings 32, 33, respectively. These openings are brought in engagement with buttons 32a, 33a provided at vertical wall 34 of outsole 3I. As can be seen from Fig. '1, the lugs 30a, 30b are guided through channels 35, 36 passing through ledge 31 of outsole 3 I, said lugs 30a, 3% further extending downwardly into a holding groove 38 for fixing the extremitie's of said lugs in position therein.

As can be realized from the drawing, lugs 33a,

- 33b are of such length that the U-shaped out-out 39 extends somewhat above ledge 31 and thus leaves therebetween a slot 40 to afford air circulation for the shoe in crosswise direction to the length of the shoe.

Figs. 8 to 10 show some steps in carrying into effect the method for assembling upper and outsole together. As seen in Fig. 8, a part of the upper in form of a strip is shown, having the hook-shaped ends 5I, 52. These ends may be brought in engagement with projections 53, 54 provided with heads 53a, 54a, respectively, which are disposed within channel 55 of outsole 51 communicating with channel portion 55 over which passes ledge 58 of outsole 51.

According to Fig. 10, strip 55 is provided with hook-shaped ends 5I, 52 adapted for engagement through channel portion 56 at ledge 58 and open channel portion 55 within which there project buttons comprising studs 53, 54 provided with heads 53a, 54a, respectively, whereby the extremity of strap 50 of the upper is locked and fixed in position within said channel portion 55 open and accessibleat the surface 51a. of outsole 51.

Figs. 11 and 12 show a further modification of connecting strap means I50 having at its outer extremity an opening 6| for engagement with hookshaped projection 62 let in outsole 65 and positioned immediately below surface 63 of said outsole 65 within channel 64. Communicating with channel 64 is channel portion 66 extending substantially horizontally in the direction toward said projection 62. Bridging means, such as ledge 68, which is integral with the outsole 65 passes across said channel portion 66, as clearly seen in Fig. 12. I

In order to bring strap 6!] into engagement with hook-shaped projection or button 62, upper strap with its hole or opening 6 I- at its outer extremity is passed through bridged channel portion 66 to extend into open channel 64, is then slipped over hook-shaped projection 62, whereby engagement of opening 6| with projection 62 will be brought about, as may be realized from Figs. ll and 12.

Since the fastening or connecting means of the outsole are integrally united therewith and do not extend beyond the upper surface of the outsole, the insole, when placed on and attached to the upper surface of said outsole, will lie flush thereon. The fastening means of the outsole are effectively concealed by the insole and will not conflict with the latter when the foot is resting on the insole.

It is Well understood that strap parts at the extremity of the. upper of the shoe may be guided v w, 2*,367,'2'32- and threadedthrough abridged channel portion passing through a vertical'w'all ofthe outsole for connection thereauas' seen in Fig; 7, or these strap which is open at the'top surface of'the outsole: Only simple manipulation by the hand' of the-operator is required tofasten or button t-he upper by means of straps to the-outsole and to simultaneously lock the straps in positiomas exemplified in Figs. 3 to 6 and 11 and 12." I

' It is to be mentioned that the upper may'have any suitable shape and may be made of anysuitable material; such-as leather, fabric, composite material suitable for the purpose intended. Ac-

cording to this invention, it is not only contemplated to provide the upper with crosswise disposed straps, as applied to a sandal (Fig. 1), but

any other conventional shape of upper may be employed whose extremity may be provided with strap extensions and means integral therewith for coupling the upper with means which in turn are provided within the, confines of channels in the outsole and preferably below the top surface thereof, so that such coupling or connecting means do not interfere withthe insole to be placed on the top surface of the outsole within the shoe. It is further to be observed that any insole may be used for the shoemade in accordance with Fig. 7, said insole filling out the space provided at wall 34 between ledge 31 and top surface of the out sole 3|.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to 'the above embodi-' ments, it will be understood that various substitutions and changes in the form and details of the connecting means illustrated and their operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is:

1. An article of footwear comprising an outsole and foot retaining means thereon, said foot retaining means including strap means for connection with said outsole, each strap means having an outer extremity, transverse elongated channels provided in said outsole below th top surface thereof and having outer and inner ends,

integral means adapted to engage the outer extremities of said strap means and projecting from the bottom of said channels adjacent the inner ends thereof, and bridge means integral with said outsole and extending adjacent the outer ends of said channels in crosswise direction thereto and terminating in lengthwise direction of said channels in edges positioned a predetermined distance from said inner ends of said channels, the channel portions extending between said edges and said inner ends of said channels being open at the top surface of said outsole to provide access from the top surface of said outsole to said engaging means, said strap means passing underneath said bridge means for connecting the outer extremities of said strap means with said engagmg means.

2. An article of footwear comprising an outsole and foot retaining means thereon, said foot retaining means including strap means for, connection with said outsole, each strap means having an outer extremity, elongated channels provided in said outsole below the top surface thereof" and 'havi'ngiopen outer ends, means within said channels. adapted to engage the outer extremities of said stra means,'.and bridge means extending adjacent the: outer ends of said channels in crosswise directionv thereto and terminating in lengthwise direction of said channels in edges positioned va predetermined distance from said engaging means, said bridge means being integrally united with said outsole and forming with the portions of said channels.

crossed by said bridge means passageways, the channel portionsextending between said edges of said bridge means and said engaging means being open at theatop surfaceof the outsole andc'ommunicating with the top-surface of said outsole, said engaging me'ansbein'g attached to ,the' bottom wall of said open channel portions and being accessible from the top surface of said outsole to facilitate connection of said engaging means with the outer extremities of said strap means, said strap means extending from underneath said bridge means into said open channel portions.

3. An article of footwear comprising an outsole and foot retaining means thereon, said foot retaining means including strap means for connection with said outsole, each strap means having an outer extremity, elongated channels p'rovided in said outsole below the top surface thereof and having inner ends and open outer ends, said inner ends including end walls extending from the bottom of said channels to the surface of said outsole, said channels including bridged channel portions integral with said outsole and positioned adjacent said open outer ends and channel porti-ons open at the top surface of said outsole and extending between said bridged channel portions and said end walls, and means disposed in said open channel portions and engaging the outer extremities of said strap means, said strap means extending through said open outer ends and through said bridged portions of said channels for engagement of said outer extremities with said engaging means.

4. A sole for footwear comprising an elongated body having a bottom surface and a top surface, elongated channels having outer ends and directed from said outer ends crosswise through per of a shoe, said, engaging means being integrally united with said body, said bridge means terminating in lengthwise direction of said channels in edges, portions of said channels extending beyond said edges of said bridge means being open at the top surface of said body and, accessible therefrom, said engaging means being disposed in said open channel portions for retaining there n said extensions of said'up per passing underneath said bridge means.

5. A sole for footwear comprising an elongated body having a bottom surface and a top surface, elongated channels having o en outer ends, said channels being directed from said open outer ends through said body and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, bridge means. integrally united with said body and extending crosswise to said channels, and means adapted to engage extensions from foot retaining means and positioned within the confines of said channels, said bridge means be.- ing located adjacent said open outer ends and extending in lengthwise direction of said channels to terminate in inner edges, the distance between said inner edges and said open outer ends being shorter than the length of said channels, portions of said channels extending beyond said inner edges being open at the top surface of said body and accessible therefrom, said engaging means being adaptedto retain said extensions in said channels when said extensions pass underneath said bridge means and through said open outer ends.

6. A sole for footwear comprising a elongated body having a bottom surface and a top surface, elongated channels having open outer ends, said channels being directed from said open outer ends through said body and extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, bridge means integrally united with said body and extending crosswise to said channels, and means positioned within the confines of said channels and adapted to engage extensions from foot retaining means, said bridge means being located adjacent said open outer ends and terminatingin lengthwise direction of said channels in outer and inner edges, the distance between said outer and inner edges being shorter than the length of said channels, portions of said channels extending beyond said inner edges being open at the top surface of said body and accessible therefrom, said extensions being adapted to pass underneath said bridge means and to be retained on said body by said engaging means.

HERMAN MARX. 

